Bright!Tax US Expat Tax Blog

FBAR vs 8938: Which One Applies to You (or Is It Both?)

Sorting out FBAR vs 8938—because even confident taxpayers want to get it right.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you need to file FBAR, Form 8938, or both, you’re not alone. It’s one of the great rites of passage for U.S. expats: realizing that the IRS and FinCEN both want a peek at your foreign accounts—but through entirely different lenses. Both forms exist to catch unreported foreign financial assets, […]

How Pope Leo XIV’s Salary Could Trigger a U.S. Tax Bill

Looking out over Vatican City and Rome, where questions about pope salary meet centuries of tradition.

In a twist the Roman Catholic Church probably didn’t see coming, newly elected Pope Leo XIV may be facing more than just spiritual obligations—he might owe the IRS. According to early reports (and more than a few breaking news segments), the new pontiff has ties to the United States. And as any U.S. expat knows, […]

Canada Visa or ETA? How to Know What You Really Need to Enter Canada

Hiking in the mountains after getting a Canada visa and exploring British Columbia’s alpine views.

Whether you’re heading north for a weekend in Montréal or relocating to Vancouver for work, getting into Canada isn’t as simple as packing a parka and booking a flight. In 2025, more travelers—especially U.S. citizens, dual nationals, and remote workers—are running into Canada’s entry rules, which vary wildly depending on where you’re from, how long […]